Chevrolet Impala

Styling changes to the 1969 Chevrolet Impala and other full-size Chevys gave the line a bigger, more imposing look.

The 1969 Chevrolet Impala and other full-size cars were redesigned to give them a sculptured look on their bodysides and a slightly longer appearance overall, but kinship to prior models was obvious. Wheelbases remained at 119 inches -- just three inches longer than four-door Chevelles.

Reshaped fenders bulged around each wheel well. Rectangular taillights went within a thinner rear bumper. A freshened grille flanked by four deep-mounted headlights were framed by a thin bumper.

The 1969 Chevrolet Impala was the only full-size Chevy with a convertible option.

"We're out to put everybody on Easy Street," the sales brochure insisted. Impalas had Hide-A-Way wipers and vinyl-insert bodyside moldings. Biscaynes and Bel Airs again rounded out the full-size lineup, which also included the posh Caprice. Impala and Caprice coupes had a new option: an electric rear-window defogger. Ignition switches were mounted on the steering columns.

Base engine remained a 155-horsepower, 250-cubic-inch six, but the bottom-end V-8 grew to 327 cubic inches and 235 horsepower. Once again the Super Sport was an engine/trim package that cost $422. A total of only 2,455 were ordered on the Impala Custom Coupe, Sport Coupe, and convertible. A 390-horsepower, 427-cubic-inch engine gave each Super Sport model an SS 427 designation.

In-between options included 255- and 300-horsepower versions of the 350-cubic-inch V-8, as well as a 265-horsepower 396.